Society as I Have Found It: The Cuisine, Culture and Fashions of Europe and North America in the 19th Century, by a Man who Toured the Era's Fines

By Ward McAllister

Book Overview

Ward McAllister was a gentlemen living in the mid-to-late 19th century; this is his commentary of the high society of the time, the parties and social gatherings of the elite in the USA and Europe.

Well-travelled and educated in the arts of speech and charming others, the author recounts his memories of fine occasions attended by the monied and well-connected. He describes the social habits, fashion trends, and ostentatious buying habits of the upper classes of society. In the 19th century, the upper strata of society had undergone a transformative change owing to the new prosperity and technology of the time - as McAllister testifies, it was a time of newfound, unprecedented extravagance.

New innovations in fine cuisine, more choice in fashionable tailored dress for men and women, and the enjoyment of sports and other pastimes are described in detail. The author appends menus especially designed for occasions as evidence of the superb dining enjoyed by guests. To accompany his narrative of each function, McAllister describes the more exquisite aspects of the countries he'd attended such sumptuous gatherings. The majesty and natural beauty of France, Germany, Britain, Portugal and the north and south of the USA are all related.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1789871751
• ISBN13: 9781789871753
• Release Date: January 1890
• Publisher: Pantianos Classics
• Length: 100 Pages
• Weight: 0.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A let down to say the least and not too sure about all the hoopla back in the day

After watching The Gilded Age and researching Ward McAllister, I was let down by this book as I am not sure what all the hoopla was about and what upset society so much to turn their backs on him. The stories and author yes, were pretentious, as was the society, yet nothing scandalous, no real name dropping of negative sorts, etc... He was a poser for the most part and lived vicariously and off of many generosities yet they used him so it's hypocritical of why this caused his downfall. Not a juicy book after the series and research build up.